Opinion: More Than a Meal: The Return of Lick's and the Hunger for Toronto's Lost Landmarks
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
As the city evolves, the revival of a charcoal-scented legacy at the CNE offers a fleeting, nostalgic anchor in a changing culinary landscape.
In a city of shifting skylines, the loss of old-school culinary landmarks often leaves a void. For many, few losses stung more than Lick's Homeburgers, a homegrown chain that once boasted 30 locations across Ontario.
As first reported by BlogTO, the chain's 40-year legacy effectively ended in April 2026 when the province's final location closed. While products remain available via limited wholesale, the fresh-off-the-grill experience vanished from the streets.
However, the 2026 Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has provided a temporary sanctuary. Situated in the Food Building, Lick's has returned for a limited 18-day engagement. Visitors can reunite with classics like the signature Homeburger, the vegetarian Natureburger, and the Back Bacon on a Bun. BlogTO notes that while prices have risen—with most burgers now at $14—the cost remains competitive for the Ex.
This is not the first revival; Lick's previously operated a CNE stall in 2022. Running until Monday, Sept. 7, this fleeting appearance serves as a vital link to Toronto's culinary past, offering a taste of history for the nostalgic and the uninitiated alike.